[204] The Cambridges, the "eloquent Nymphs of Twickenham."
[205] Lord George Sackville, son of Lionel, Duke of Dorset,
assumed, in 1770, the name of Germain on succeeding to the
Northamptonshire estates of his aunt, Lady Betty Germain (died
December 16, 1769), second wife of Sir John Germain, Bart., whose
first wife, Lady Mary Mordaunt, brought him the property. Lord
George was dismissed from the army for his conduct at the battle
of Minden (August 1, 1759). He was at this time M.P. for East
Grinstead. He became Secretary of State for the Colonies in Lord
North's administration, was created Lord Sackville in 1782, and
died in 1785.
[206] The Hon. Stephen Fox, eldest son of Lord Holland, succeeded
his father, July, 1774. He died December 26, 1774.
[207] Miss Fuller.
182.
_To J. B. Holroyd, Esq._
Bentinck Street, Thursday Morning, 23rd December, 1773.
The enclosed requires an immediate answer, as my business both in
respect to Mrs. Lee and Winton seems brought to a crisis. Answer
therefore yourself, and in my name send instructions, and if you can,
comfort to Hugonin. Whether you decide (as to the Sporting Farmer)
for severity or leniency, Hugonin will be desired by to-night's post
to comply implicitly with your mandate.--Adieu, I hear you do not go
to Denham till to-morrow, and that there was some design to carry my
Lady to the School of Wives[208]--proper enough! A wife is taught by
that play how to support and reclaim an irregular Husband. Pray what
was the meaning of your being in town, but not in Bentinck Street,
yesterday morning? _Pray_ be more exact in your return. Again Adieu.
Write to Francis Hugonin, Esq., Nursted, Petersfield, Hants, as soon
as you can.
[208] _The School of Wives_, a comedy by Hugh Kelly (1739-1777),
was produced at Drury Lane on December 11, 1773. Walpole speaks
of it as "exceedingly applauded," though "Charles Fox says" it
"is execrable."
183.
_To his Stepmother._
Bentinck Street, Dec. 25th, 1773.